Orthognathic surgery corrects irregular jaw bones that cause severe underbites or overbites. This reconstructive surgery is for issues that can't be addressed through braces or other orthodontics alone. The surgery realigns the jaws and teeth to improve chewing, speech and swallowing. Orthognathic surgery also improves facial appearance. Ultimately, jaw surgery can improve your child's self-esteem.
Jaw problems can be part of craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip or palate, or hemifacial microsomia, or other congenital conditions such as Pierre Robin sequence or Treacher Collins syndrome. Jaw issues that lead to overbite, underbite, openbite, crossbite or a disproportionate facial profile also can occur without being related to congenital conditions.
In addition, jaw surgery also can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts during sleep.
Dr. Muzaffar works closely with orthodontists to provide the best treatment approach to correct an abnormal bite. An orthodontist will be a key part of your child's care team before and after surgery.
The Procedure
Dr. Muzaffar treats many complex types of jaw abnormalities through corrective jaw surgery. He will meet with your child to determine the best treatment options and create a plan. Reconstruction may involve upper or lower jaw or both jaws.
After surgery, your child may have some bruising and swelling for the first week and will need to eat a soft diet for three to six weeks. Typically your child can return to school in one to two weeks.
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions about your child's care after surgery.
